Apple Cider Donut Cake

$To make a delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake, you need some basic yet key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 cup apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup chopped apples (I recommend Granny Smith for a nice tartness) These ingredients come together to create a rich, moist cake with the perfect spice blend. You can add some extra flair to your cake. Try these optional ingredients to boost flavor: - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (for topping) - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping) - 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping) - Extra cinnamon sugar (to taste) These additions give your cake a sweet, crunchy topping that everyone will love! Toppings can transform your cake into a showstopper. Here are some ideas: - A dusting of extra cinnamon sugar - A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side - Fresh apple slices for garnish These simple touches make your Apple Cider Donut Cake not just tasty but also beautiful. You can find the full recipe to start baking today! Start by boiling the apple cider. Pour 1 cup of cider into a small saucepan. Heat it on medium until it boils. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer. You want to reduce the cider to about 1/2 cup. This step takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once reduced, remove it from heat and let it cool a bit. This concentrated flavor is key to the cake. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This blend adds great flavor. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer for about 3 to 4 minutes until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla and the cooled cider. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Do this gently to keep the cake light. Once combined, fold in the chopped apples. This adds texture and sweetness to each bite. Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. Check it with a toothpick. It should come out clean. Once done, cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a plate. While still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over it. Let the cake cool completely before slicing. This helps you get clean cuts. Enjoy the sweet aroma as you prepare to serve this treat! To get the best flavor from your Apple Cider Donut Cake, I highly recommend using fresh apple cider. Fresh cider has a rich, sweet taste that really shines in this cake. Reducing the cider before adding it helps concentrate those flavors. The spices also play a big role. Make sure to use fresh ground cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. Adding chopped apples gives a nice texture and extra sweetness. One common mistake is over-mixing the batter. When you mix too much, the cake can turn out dense. Mix just until the ingredients combine to keep it fluffy. Another mistake is not measuring the flour correctly. Too much flour can dry out your cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling time. Letting the cake cool helps it set and makes slicing easier. For a beautiful presentation, slice the cake and plate each slice on a colorful dish. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds a nice touch. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat. If you want to impress, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. This adds a sweet, sticky layer that pairs well with the cake's flavors. {{image_4}} You can make this cake gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend has xanthan gum for better texture. The flavor will stay rich and delicious. To make this cake vegan, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help bind the cake. You can change the spices to create new flavors. Try adding ground ginger or cloves for warmth. You can also mix in different fruits. Chopped pears or cranberries can add a nice twist. Each variation will give your cake a fresh taste. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy creating your unique version! To keep your leftover cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store the cake at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, keep it in the fridge. This will help it last longer. If you want to save the cake for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice anytime you want. The cake will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat the cake, you can reheat it. For slices, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them without drying them out. If you want to heat the whole cake, cover it with foil and warm it in a low oven for about 15 minutes. This keeps the cake soft and tasty. Enjoy your delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake! This Apple Cider Donut Cake stands out for its rich apple flavor. The cake uses real apple cider, giving it a warm and inviting taste. The blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds depth. The chopped apples bring a nice texture. Plus, the cake is moist and fluffy, perfect for any occasion. To know if the cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Another sign is the edges pulling away from the pan slightly. The top will also look golden brown. Yes, you can use other apples! While Granny Smith adds tartness, any firm apple works well. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples can add sweetness. Just make sure to chop them small, so they mix well in the batter. You can find the full recipe for Apple Cider Donut Cake in the recipe section above. It provides all the details you need to create this delightful dessert at home. You learned about the key ingredients for a delicious apple cider donut cake. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you bake it perfectly. Tips and tricks covered flavor, mistakes to avoid, and presentation ideas. We explored variations like gluten-free and vegan options, ensuring everyone can enjoy this treat. Lastly, I provided storage tips to keep your cake fresh. Enjoy baking your apple cider donut cake and impress everyone with your skills!$

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this irresistible Apple Cider Donut Cake! Crafted with fresh apple cider and warm spices, this moist bundt cake is perfect for cozy gatherings. Easy to make, it's topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar crust for that donut experience. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a slice of autumn bliss!

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Ingredients

1 cup apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith recommended for tartness)

1/4 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

Extra cinnamon sugar (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch bundt pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.

In a small saucepan, pour in the apple cider and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the cider simmer, allowing it to reduce to about 1/2 cup, which will take roughly 15-20 minutes. After reducing, set the cider aside to cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.

In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract and the slightly cooled reduced apple cider until just combined.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just blended. Be cautious not to over-mix, which could result in a denser cake.

Carefully fold in the chopped apples to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them down.

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly.

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cake bakes, prepare the topping by mixing the brown sugar and granulated sugar in a small bowl.

Once the cake has baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.

While the cake is still warm, brush the top with melted butter, and generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the surface to create a deliciously sweet topping.

Let the cake cool completely before slicing to achieve clean cuts and easier serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 10 slices

- Presentation Tips: Serve slices of cake on decorative plates, and consider adding a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful finishing touch!